Noem's video about Real ID sparks debate

Add to Favorites

0
1.1K
12.04.2025

Kristi Noem says: "Starting May 7, you will need a Real ID to fly. Real IDs make identification harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. If you plan to fly, make sure you get a Real ID so you won’t be denied from your flight or face travel delays!"

This is sparking debates among people who may or may not want to be part of the Real ID program. Real ID enforcement begins on May 7, 2025. After this date, a Real ID-compliant driver's license, identification card, or another federally approved form of identification (such as a passport) will be required for:

Boarding domestic commercial flights.
Entering federal facilities that require identification, such as military bases or certain government buildings.
Accessing nuclear power plants.

The Real ID Act, passed in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued IDs to enhance security following the 9/11 attacks. States have been working to issue compliant IDs, and the deadline has been extended multiple times, with May 7, 2025, being the current enforcement date set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

If you don’t have a Real ID by then, you can use alternatives like a U.S. passport, passport card, or other DHS-approved IDs for these purposes. Check with your state’s DMV for specific requirements and processes to obtain a Real ID, as they vary by state.